JP2005250800A - Game program and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide game software and a game device capable of stably displaying appropriate photographed images while flexibly setting a camera position even in a field with many obstacles. <P>SOLUTION: While a player can freely change a moving route from a default route MP<SB>D</SB>, since the changed moving route is corrected so that a distance between a virtual camera CM and a background object WL<SB>R</SB>does not become a prescribed value or less when the virtual camera CM approaches the background object WL<SB>R</SB>, the virtual camera CM is prevented from sinking in the background object WL<SB>R</SB>. Thus, the appropriate photographed images are stably displayed while the camera position can be flexibly set even in the fields FD and CV with many obstacles. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

    The present invention relates to game software and a game apparatus capable of stably displaying an appropriate photographed image while allowing a camera position to be set flexibly even in a field with many obstacles.

    In this specification, the “game software” is a concept including the program itself and various data associated with the program as necessary. However, the “game software” does not necessarily have to be associated with the data, but the program always has it. In addition, the “various associated data” may be stored in a memory means such as a ROM disk together with a program, and further stored in an external memory means so as to be readable via a communication mediating means such as the Internet. May be.

    Conventionally, in this type of game software, camera work in which a virtual camera (hereinafter referred to as “virtual camera”) follows a character that moves in a field with many obstacles (for example, walls) such as a narrow passage. Is done. In such a case, a method may be used in which the movement path of the virtual camera is set in advance in a fixed manner to the passage, and the virtual camera is moved along the movement path. Since such passages are narrow, there are limited camera positions where you can obtain appropriate captured images (that is, the virtual camera will not sink into the wall), so you can move freely in the virtual camera movement path. This is because it is more convenient to fix without giving a degree.

    Since the applicant does not know the technical literature that systematically describes the game in which the camera work of the virtual camera is performed at the time of filing, there is no prior art literature information to be disclosed.

    However, since the user's personality is different, if the movement path of the virtual camera is completely fixed as described above, the game software can be changed according to the individuality of each user. I can't make it.

    Therefore, it may be possible to use a camera work that allows the virtual camera to follow the character freely without setting the movement path of the virtual camera in a fixed manner. There is an inconvenience that it is difficult for a virtual camera to sink into a wall or the like and to obtain an appropriate captured image stably. Therefore, it is desired to realize the flexible setting of the camera position and the stable display of an appropriate captured image in a harmonious manner.

    In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides game software and a game apparatus capable of stably displaying an appropriate photographed image while allowing the camera position to be set flexibly even in a field with many obstacles. The purpose is to provide.

The invention according to claim 1 is a game for controlling movement of an operation object (for example, CH1) that can be operated in response to a signal from the input means (14) on a field (FD) generated in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS). Game software (GSW) having a program for causing the computer (1) to execute
The game software (GSW) is stored in the computer (1).
A polygon generation and arrangement procedure (PGP) for generating polygons of the operation object (CH1) and a background object (for example, WL _R ) constituting the field (for example, CV) and arranging the polygon in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) ),
In response to a signal from the input means (14), the operation object (CH1) is moved in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) in which the background object (WL _R ) is arranged by the polygon generation arrangement procedure (PGP). Control object movement control procedure (PGP),
The virtual camera (CM) that sets the visual field range in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) is operated on the route set in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) as the movement route (MP) of the virtual camera. A virtual camera movement control procedure (CWP) for performing movement control so as to follow the operation object (CH1) whose movement is controlled by the object movement control procedure (PGP),
In response to a signal from the input means (14), the movement path (MP) of the virtual camera is changed from the default path (MP _D ) preset in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) to the default path. Is changed to a different route (for example, MPc1 shown in FIG. 5), a moving route change procedure (MPP),
The virtual camera (CM) is controlled to move from the default route (MP _D ) on the movement route (for example, MPc1 shown in FIG. 5) changed by the movement route change procedure (MPP). A change path movement command procedure (MPP) to command the camera movement control procedure (CWP);
A two-dimensional image that generates a two-dimensional image by rendering a polygon within the field of view set by the virtual camera (CM) controlled by the virtual camera movement control procedure (CWP) and displays it on the display (11) Generation display procedure (PDP, ANP),
A virtual camera (CM) that moves on the movement path (MP) changed by the movement path change procedure (MPP), and a background that is arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) by the polygon generation arrangement procedure (PGP) A distance calculation procedure (SMP) for calculating a distance to the object (WL _R );
A background object detection procedure (SMP) for detecting a background object (WL _R ) whose distance calculated by the distance calculation procedure (SMP) is a predetermined value (eg, X ₀ ) or less;
The changed movement path is corrected (for example, to MPc2 shown in FIG. 5) so that the virtual camera (CM) is moved away from the background object (WL _R ) detected by the background object detection procedure (SMP). In addition, a movement path correction instruction procedure (SMP) for instructing the movement path change procedure (MPP),
The program is configured to execute the above.

In the invention of claim 2, the game software (GSW) is further stored in the computer (1).
A gaze direction control procedure (CWP) for controlling a gaze direction (PD) of the virtual camera;
A gaze direction change command procedure (CWP) that commands the gaze direction control procedure (CWP) to change the gaze direction (PD) of the virtual camera in response to a signal from the input means (14). ,
The program is configured to execute the above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the moving path changing procedure (MPP) changes the moving path (MP) of the virtual camera in response to the first signal (CS1) from the input means (14).
The game software (GSW) is further transferred to the computer (1).
A movement path fixing that fixes the change state (for example, ΔS) of the movement path (MP) corrected by the movement path change procedure (MPP) according to the second signal (CS2) from the input means (14). Procedure (MPP),
In accordance with the third signal (CS3) from the input means (14), the movement path (MP) of the virtual camera is moved with the change state (for example, ΔS) fixed by the movement path fixing procedure (MPP). A default route return procedure (MPP) for changing from a route (MP) to the default route (MP _D ),
It is characterized by having a program for executing.

The invention according to claim 4 controls the movement of an operation object (for example, CH1) that can be operated in accordance with a signal from the input means (14) on a field (FD) generated in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS). A game device (1) capable of
The game device is (1),
Polygon generation / arrangement means (2) for generating polygons of the operation object (CH1) and a background object (for example, WL _R ) constituting the field (for example, CV) and arranging the polygons in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) , PGP),
In response to a signal from the input means (14), the operation object (CH1) in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) in which the background object (WL _R ) is arranged by the polygon generation arrangement means (2, PGP). Control object movement control means (2, PGP),
The virtual camera (CM) that sets the visual field range in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) is operated on the route set in the three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) as the movement route (MP) of the virtual camera. Virtual camera movement control means (2, CWP) for controlling movement so as to follow the operation object (CH1) whose movement is controlled by the object movement control means (2, PGP),
In response to a signal from the input means (14), the movement route (MP) of the virtual camera is changed from a default route (MP _D ) preset in the three-dimensional virtual space to a route different from the default route. (For example, MPc1 shown in FIG. 5), a moving route changing means (2, MPP),
The virtual camera (CM) is controlled to move from the default route (MP _D ) on the moving route (for example, MPc1 shown in FIG. 5) changed by the moving route changing means (2, MPP). Change path movement command means (2, MPP) for instructing the virtual camera movement control means (2, CWP),
A polygon within the field of view set by the virtual camera (CM) controlled by the virtual camera movement control means (2, CWP) is rendered to generate a two-dimensional image, which is displayed on the display (11). Dimensional image generation display means (8, PDP, ANP),
A virtual camera (CM) that moves on the movement path (MP) changed by the movement path changing means (2, MPP), and a three-dimensional virtual space (3DS) by the polygon generation / placement means (2, PGP). A distance calculation means (2, SMP) for calculating a distance between the arranged background object (WL _R ),
A background object detection means (2, SMP) for detecting a background object (WL _R ) whose distance calculated by the distance calculation means (2, SMP) is a predetermined value (for example, X ₀ ) or less,
The changed movement path is corrected (for example, to MPc2 shown in FIG. 5) by moving the virtual camera (CM) away from the background object (WL _R ) detected by the background object detection means (2, SMP). So as to command the movement path changing means (2, MPP), a movement path correction command means (2, SMP),
It is comprised.

According to the invention of claim 1 or 4, when the virtual camera (CM) approaches the background object (for example, WL _R ), the virtual camera (CM) does not approach the background object (WL _R ) any more. Further, since the movement path (MP) is corrected (for example, MPc2 shown in FIG. 5), the virtual camera can be prevented from being embedded in the background object. As a result, even in a field with many obstacles, an appropriate photographed image can be stably displayed while the camera position can be set flexibly.

    According to the invention of claim 2, since the player can change the viewing direction (PD) of the virtual camera, it is possible to further improve the flexibility of the camera operation while stably displaying the photographed image. I can do it.

According to the invention of claim 3, the player can freely fix the movement path change state (for example, ΔS) in which the movement path (MP) is corrected to be away from the background object (for example, WL _R ). In addition, the moving route (MP) in which the change state (for example, ΔS) is fixed can be returned to the default route (MP _D ) at any time, so that the camera operation can be simplified. Thereby, the operativity can be improved, ensuring the flexibility of camera operation.

    The numbers in parentheses indicate the corresponding elements in the drawings for the sake of convenience in order to help understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present description is not limited to the description on the drawings, and the present invention should not be construed by the description of the reference numerals.

    Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

    FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control block of a game device, FIG. 2 is a side view of the right joystick (partially omitted), FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of game software, and FIG. 4 is a virtual camera FIG. 5 is a top sectional view of a cave (partially omitted) as an example of a field.

    As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 is a home game apparatus, and has a CPU 2 mainly composed of a microprocessor. A ROM 4, a RAM 5, an image processing device 8, a sound processing device 9, a recording disk reading device 7, and an interface 13 are connected to the CPU 2 via the bus 3.

    The recording disk 6 functions as a storage medium and is an optical storage medium. The recording disk 6 stores game software GSW composed of programs and data necessary for executing the game, and the game apparatus 1 executes a predetermined game according to the game software GSW stored in the recording disk 6. The recording disk reader 7 reads a program and data in the game software GSW in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 2 and outputs a signal corresponding to the read content.

    The recording disk 6 is not limited to an optical storage medium, and various storage media such as a semiconductor storage element, a magnetic storage medium, and a magneto-optical storage medium may be used. Further, without using such a storage medium, for example, the game software GSW may be read from a server independent of the game apparatus 1 via communication mediating means such as the Internet.

    The ROM 4 and RAM 5 function as a main storage device for the CPU 2, and a multi-task operating system (multi-task OS) as a program necessary for overall operation control of the game apparatus 1 is written in the ROM 4. Programs and data in the game software GSW read from the recording disk 6 are written in the RAM 5 as necessary.

    A frame memory 10 and a display 11 are connected to the image processing device 8, and the image processing circuit 8 receives two-dimensional image data from the CPU 2 and draws a shot image on the frame memory 10, and the drawn shot image Is converted into a predetermined video reproduction signal and output to the display 11 at a predetermined timing. As the display 11, a home television receiver is generally used.

    A recording disk reading device 7 and a speaker 12 are connected to the sound processing device 9, and the sound processing device 9 reproduces data such as voice and musical sound read by the recording disk reading device 7 from the recording disk 6 and sound source data. Output to the speaker 12. As the speaker 12, a built-in speaker of a television receiver is generally used.

    A controller 14 and an external memory 15 are detachably connected to the interface 13 via appropriate connection ports. A plurality of controllers 14 and external memories 15 can be connected to the interface 13 in parallel.

    The controller 14 functions as input means and has a main body 14 a connected to the interface 13. The main body 14a is provided with, for example, a cross-shaped direction indicating switch 14b, a left joystick 14c1, a right joystick 14c2, and, for example, four push button switches 14d as operation members. Details of the right joystick 14c2 shown in FIG. 2 will be described later.

    An operation signal corresponding to the operation state of each operation member 14b, 14c1, 14c2, 14d is input from the controller 14 to the RAM 5 at a constant period (for example, 1/60 seconds). Determine the operating state.

    In the above configuration, the other components excluding the display 11, the speaker 12, the controller 14, the recording disk 6, and the external memory 15 are integrally accommodated in a predetermined housing to constitute the main body of the game apparatus 1. The main body of the game apparatus 1 functions as a computer.

    Note that although a home game device has been described as an example of a computer, a game device such as a portable game device or an arcade game device may be used. An apparatus capable of reproducing a storage medium may be used. Furthermore, it may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), or the like, that is, any one that can execute the game software GSW.

    Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the game software GSW is configured as a hierarchical structure in which a plurality of programs for progressing the game are modularized.

    The lower hierarchy shown on the left side of FIG. 3 stores programs for processing user interfaces such as an input processing program INP, a sound processing program SDP, and an image processing program ANP. In the upper hierarchy shown in the center of FIG. 3, a scenario processing program SNP and the like are stored. In the upper hierarchy shown on the right side of FIG. 3, the polygon processing program PGP, the image data generation program PDP, the camera work processing program CWP, the movement path change program MPP, the shift value correction program SMP, etc. Stores a program that controls task execution. In addition, data areas such as a polygon data file PGF and a virtual space data file IAF are set in the upper hierarchy shown on the right side of FIG.

    Note that various data stored in the data area of the game software GSW can be stored in any manner as long as the game software GSW has readability. For example, in addition to being stored in the recording disk 6 together with the game software GSW, it is stored in an external memory means such as a server independent of the game apparatus 1, and the Internet or the like is read by a reading program provided in the game software GSW. You may make it download to memory means, such as RAM5, via the communication mediating means.

    In addition, a plurality of tasks generated based on the respective programs PGP, PDP,... Of the game software GSW are sequentially executed as multitasks by the multitask operation system in accordance with the priority order. Only the programs necessary for explaining the present invention are shown as a simple hierarchical structure, and the actual hierarchical structure is more complicated and includes various programs such as a parallel processing program. In addition, arrows indicating instructions and data exchanges are shown between the programs, but these arrows are for easy understanding of the invention, and these arrows indicate how the program is processed and how data is handled. It is not limited.

    In the game apparatus 1 having the above configuration, games of various genres can be played on the display 11 by loading the game software GSW stored in the recording disk 6 into the RAM 5 and executing it by the CPU 2.

    When a predetermined initialization operation (for example, a power-on operation) is performed in the game apparatus 1, the CPU 2 first executes a predetermined initialization process according to the program in the ROM 4. When the initialization is completed, the CPU 2 reads the game software GSW stored in the recording disk 6 into the RAM 5 and starts game processing according to the game software GSW. When the player operates the controller 14 to perform a predetermined game start operation, the CPU 2 starts various controls necessary for executing the game according to the procedure of the game software GSW.

    The game in this embodiment is a game based on 3DCG (three-dimensional computer graphics) using polygons. In this game, various fields FD in which enemy characters are arranged are generated in the three-dimensional virtual space, and the player moves the operation character CH1 on the generated field FD via the controller 14 to move the enemy characters. The game is set to advance by defeating it.

    That is, the CPU 2 first sets a three-dimensional virtual space in the world coordinate system composed of X, Y, and Z coordinates in the virtual space data file IAF shown in FIG. When the three-dimensional virtual space is set, the scenario indicated by the scenario processing program SNP shown in the figure is developed, and the polygon data file PGF set in the RAM 5 is referred to based on the polygon processing program PGP.

    Polygon data PGD is stored in the polygon data file PGF, and the polygon data PGD indicates various background objects constituting the field FD. Specifically, various backgrounds such as “buildings” and “cave” are prepared as the field FD. Therefore, the polygon data file PGF includes columns, walls, doors, ceilings, Stored is polygon data PGD indicating background objects such as a wall, a ceiling, and the ground that constitute a floor and a “cave”. The polygon data file PGF also stores polygon data PGD indicating characters such as the operation character CH1 and enemy characters.

    When the CPU 2 refers to the polygon data file PGF, the CPU 2 reads the polygon data PGD of the background object constituting the field FD corresponding to the scenario from the polygon data file PGF. Then, a field FD is generated based on the read polygon data PGD, and stored as virtual space data IAD in a virtual space data file IAF in which a three-dimensional virtual space is set. That is, the field FD is generated in the three-dimensional virtual space.

    When generating the field FD, the CPU 2 further reads out polygon data PGD indicating the operation character CH1 and the enemy character from the polygon data file PGF based on the polygon processing program PGP. Then, a character is generated based on the read polygon data PGD, and the virtual space data IAD is updated and stored in the virtual space data file IAF in such a manner that the generated character is arranged at a predetermined position on the field FD. That is, the operation character CH1 and the enemy character are arranged in the field FD.

    In this state, when the player inputs an operation signal in a predetermined direction via the left joystick 14c1 of the controller 14, the CPU 2 determines the arrangement position of the operation character CH1 based on the polygon processing program PGP. The virtual space data IAD is sequentially updated and stored in the virtual space data file IAF in such a manner that it is updated in accordance with the direction of. That is, the operation character CH1 is moved on the field FD via the left joystick 14c1.

    Thus, along with the movement process of the operation character CH1, the CPU 2 executes the camera work process of the virtual camera (hereinafter referred to as “virtual camera CM”) shown in FIG. 4 based on the camera work process program CWP shown in FIG. To do.

    FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of the virtual camera CM. Assume that the X, Y, and Z coordinates are set as shown in the lower left of FIG. The virtual camera CM is arranged at the viewpoint PV as shown in FIG. Here, the line-of-sight direction PD of the virtual camera CM indicated by the arrow is directed in the + Z direction, and thus the three-dimensional virtual space 3DS in the + Z direction from the viewpoint PV is set as the visual field range. A detection area DA indicated by a broken line in FIG.

In the camera work process, the virtual camera CM is set to move on a movement path MP (not shown) in a form that follows the operation character CH1. Specifically, the default movement path MP, the default path and MP _D is set on the field FD, CPU 2 is behind the operation character CH1 (i.e. opposite the direction of operation character CH1 advances), a predetermined the position on the default path MP _D through the distance, is adapted to set as the viewpoint PV. Further, the line-of-sight direction PD of the virtual camera CM is set in a direction along the direction of the default path MP _D.

Therefore, when the operation character CH1 moves, the CPU 2 reads the virtual space data IAD from the virtual space data file IAF based on the camera work processing program CWP, and behind the position where the operation character CH1 indicated by the virtual space data IAD is displayed. Set the viewpoint PV. Setting processing of the view point PV is repeated with the movement of the operation character CH1, CPU 2 has, on sequentially set viewpoint PV, place the virtual camera CM, as viewing direction PD is along the direction of the default path MP _D I will do it. That is, the camera work following the operation character CH1 is performed.

    When the camera work following the operation character CH1 is performed in this way, the CPU 2 reads the virtual space data IAD from the virtual space data file IAF based on the image data generation program PDP shown in FIG. 3, and is set by the virtual camera CM. Two-dimensional image data indicating polygons arranged in the field of view range is generated.

    The image processing device 8 generates a captured image in the frame memory 10 from the generated two-dimensional image data based on the image processing program ANP shown in FIG. That is, a captured image showing the three-dimensional virtual space 3DS viewed from behind the operation character CH1 is displayed on the display 11.

    As described above, when the player moves the operation character CH1 on the field FD via the controller 14, the camera work that follows the operation character CH1 is performed, and the game progresses. In the field FD, the enemy characters are arranged as described above, and the player appropriately defeats the enemy characters via the controller 14.

    Thus, it is assumed that the CPU 2 develops the scenario indicated by the scenario processing program SNP and advances the game, and generates the field FD of the cave CV shown in FIG. 5 in the three-dimensional virtual space 3DS. FIG. 5 shows an upper cross-sectional view of a cave CV (partially omitted) as an example of the field FD. The X, Y, and Z coordinates are set as shown in the lower left part of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cave CV faces the Z direction, and has an entrance ET at the bottom of the figure and an exit EX at the top of the figure. The cave CV is configured in such a manner that four sides are surrounded by background objects such as the left wall surface WL _L , the right wall surface WL _R , the ceiling CL (not shown), and the ground GR. The left wall WL _L, cylindrical portion CY formed in a cylindrical shape is provided in a form projecting from the left wall surface WL _L. An enemy character CH2 is arranged at a position P5 on the back side of the cylindrical portion CY so as to be hidden from the visual field range of the virtual camera CM arranged at the position P11.

A default route MP _D (solid line) is set inside the cave CV. The default path MP _D, the virtual camera CM is inadvertently walls _WL L, so as not to Dari sinks to WL _R (i.e., as the viewpoint PV from entering inside a polygon of the obstacle), the wall surface _WL L, the WL _R It is appropriately bent according to the unevenness (here, in a shape avoiding the cylindrical portion CY).

    Here, in order for the player to pass through the cave CV, the operation character CH1 enters the cave CV from the entrance ET via the left joystick 14c1 of the controller 14 and moves in the + Z direction.

Therefore, CPU 2, based on the camerawork processing program CWP, as shown in FIG. 5 below, the virtual camera CM, moving on the default path MP _D so as to follow the operation character CH1. For example, when the operation character CH1 passes through the position P1, the CPU 2 arranges the virtual camera CM at, for example, the position P11 behind the operation character CH1. The image processing device 8 displays a captured image showing the inside of the cave CV on the display 11 based on the virtual camera CM disposed at the position P11. At this time, it is assumed that the operation character CH1 arranged at the positions P2 and P4 shown in FIG. 5 is not shown.

    In this state, when the player operates the right joystick 14c2 shown in FIG. 2, the operation signal CS1 is input from the right joystick 14c2 to the RAM 5, and the CPU 2 moves the movement path MP based on the movement path change program MPP shown in FIG. Execute the change process.

In change processing of the movement path MP may viewpoint PV is perpendicular to the default path MP _D, and in a form that is moved in a horizontal direction with respect to the ground surface GR, is adapted to be changed. As the change amount, the shift value ΔS is set, the shift value ΔS is the viewpoint PV is meant (in the world coordinate system) the distance traveled from the default path MP _D. The moving direction with respect to the default path MP _D viewpoint PV is not limited to this, for example, it may be moved in the + Y direction relative to the protrusion of the ground GR.

    The shift value ΔS is set so as to change according to the operation signal CS1 from the right joystick 14c2. Specifically, when the right joystick 14c2 is tilted left or right from the reference position BP (one-dot chain line) as shown in FIG. 2, an operation signal indicating an input value IV corresponding to the angle AG with respect to the reference position BP. CS1 is input.

    The input value IV changes from +1 to +256 as the angle AG tilted to the right increases, and conversely changes from 0 to -255 as the angle AG tilted to the left increases. The shift value ΔS has a range of 0 to + ΔS corresponding to the input value IV of +1 to +256, and a range of 0 to −ΔS corresponding to the input value IV of 0 to -255. .

    Note that it is also possible to change the line-of-sight direction PD during the process of changing the movement route MP. For example, the virtual camera CM may be rotated in a form in which the line-of-sight direction PD is watched at a predetermined position (for example, the arrangement position of the operation character CH1). By doing so, the flexibility of camera operation can be increased.

    That is, when the operation signal CS1 is input, the CPU 2 converts the shift value ΔS corresponding to the input value IV indicated by the input operation signal CS1 based on the movement path change program MPP. For example, if the player tilts the right joystick 14c2 in the right direction so that the shift value ΔS becomes ΔS1, the CPU 2 converts the shift value ΔS1 from the input value IV input. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, the viewpoint PV is set to a position P21 translated from the position P11 by the shift value ΔS1 in the + X direction.

In this case, when CPU2 is the virtual camera CM is close to the background object, such as walls _WL L, WL _R, described later, it executes the correction process of the shift value [Delta] S, where the virtual camera CM wall surfaces WL _L , shall not close to WL _R, without executing the correction process of the shift value [Delta] S, placing the virtual camera CM, the position P21 as shown in FIG.

    As described above, the operation signal CS1 from the right joystick 14c2 is set to be input to the RAM 5 at a constant period (for example, 1/60 seconds), so that the right joystick 14c2 is tilted, that is, While the operation signal CS1 is being input, the above-described change process of the movement route MP is continuously executed.

Therefore, when the player changes the angle AG while tilting the right joystick 14c2 in the right direction, the CPU 2 converts each shift value ΔS according to the input value IV indicated by the sequentially input operation signal CS1. . Then the virtual camera CM, only respective shift value ΔS default path MP _D + X direction is moved in parallel to move on changing movement path MPC1 (solid line). That is, the movement path MP is changed to the changed movement path MPc1 from the default path MP _D.

On the other hand, when the player returns the right joystick 14c2 to the reference position BP (for example, by releasing his / her hand), the operation signal CS1 is not input to the RAM 5, so that the CPU 2 does not execute the movement path MP changing process. movement path MP again, to change from the modified movement path MPc1 default path MP _D. Thus after this, the virtual camera CM is caused to move on the default path MP _D. Here, player, and that returns the right joystick 14c2 to the reference position BP, the virtual camera CM is slide into moved on default path MP _D.

Thus, the operation character CH1 moves in the + Z direction, the virtual camera CM is gradually moved on the default path MP _D, for example, when the virtual camera CM passes the position P12, player, cylindrical portion CY Suppose that the right joystick 14c2 is tilted again in the right direction in order to see the back side.

    For example, if the player tilts the right joystick 14c2 in the right direction so that the shift value ΔS becomes ΔS2, the CPU 2 converts the shift value ΔS2 from the input value IV as described above. Then, the viewpoint PV is set to a position P22 that is translated from the position P12 by the shift value ΔS2 in the + X direction.

Viewpoint PV set to the position P22, which will be set in the interior of the right wall WL _R as shown in FIG. 5 right, this time, CPU 2 is based on a shift value correction program SMP shown in FIG. 3 Thus, the correction processing of the shift value ΔS, which is the gist of the present invention, is executed. This correction processing is performed based on the detection area DA shown in FIG.

In the virtual camera CM, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4, a detection area DA for detecting a background object close to the virtual camera CM is set. Here, the detection area DA presents a space that includes the virtual camera CM, and specifically comprises a rectangular parallelepiped with lengths of three sides of 2X ₀ , 2Y ₀ , and 2Z _0, and the center position of the rectangular parallelepiped. Is set to match the viewpoint PV.

    The detection area DA is not particularly limited to a rectangular parallelepiped as long as it includes a virtual camera CM, and may have any shape (for example, a sphere). In addition, the detection area DA does not necessarily include the virtual camera CM as long as the background object close to the virtual camera CM can be detected. For example, a specific shooting area by the virtual camera CM can be set as the detection area DA. However, since the shooting area is variable according to the state of the virtual camera CM (for example, zoom / wide), the detection area DA is dynamically calculated.

In the correction process of the shift value ΔS, it is set to determine whether or not the detection area DA has touched the background object. When it is determined that the detection area DA has touched, the constant value ΔS _CT is subtracted from the shift value ΔS. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection area DA is not in contact, the above-described change process of the movement route MP is executed based on the converted shift value ΔS without subtracting the shift value ΔS.

That is, the CPU 2 reads the virtual space data IAD from the virtual space data file IAF based on the shift value correction program SMP, and determines whether or not the detection area DA has touched a background object such as the wall surface WL _L or WL _R. . Detecting area DA, as shown in FIG. 5 right, since in contact with the right wall WL _R, CPU 2 determines that the detection area DA is in contact, it subtracts the predetermined value [Delta] S _CT from the shift value [Delta] S2.

These determination / subtraction processes are set to be repeated until it is determined that the detection area DA is not in contact with the background object. Therefore, the shift value ΔS2 is repeatedly subtracted, upon reaching the [Delta] S3, the detection area DA, as shown in FIG. 5 right, since not contact the right wall WL _R, CPU 2 may detect area DA right wall It determined not to have contact with the WL _R.

When the detection area DA is determined not to be in contact, CPU 2 is disposed viewpoint PV, from the default path MP _D, set to the position P23 is moved parallel shifted value ΔS3 in the + X direction, the virtual camera CM to position P23 To do. That is, the virtual camera CM will be disposed at a position through substantially the distance X ₀ from the right wall WL _R.

    Therefore, the image processing apparatus 8 displays a captured image on the display 11 based on the virtual camera CM arranged at the position P23, and the captured image displays an enemy character CH2 hidden behind the cylindrical portion CY at the position P5. Will be displayed.

Thus, when the detection area DA contacts the right wall WL _R (i.e. shift value ΔS is ΔS3 larger) operation signal CS1 is input, similarly to the above, the shift value ΔS is corrected calculation constant at ΔS3 since the virtual camera CM is the default path MP _D in the + X direction by the shift value ΔS3 was translated, it will move to change the moving path MPc2 (solid line) above. That is, the movement path MP is corrected to the changed movement path MPc2 in a form away from the background object.

In this way, the player can freely set the camera position (viewpoint PV) of the virtual camera CM, while in a narrow passage such as the cave CV, the virtual camera CM and the background objects such as the wall surfaces WL _L and WL _R The setting of the camera position is limited so that the distance between them does not become a predetermined value or less.

    As a result, a certain degree of freedom can be secured in the operation of the camera position, while the virtual camera can be prevented from being embedded in the background object, so that even if there are many obstacles in the field FD, the camera While the position can be set flexibly, an appropriate photographed image can be stably displayed.

    In addition, although the case where correction | amendment calculation of shift value (DELTA) S was demonstrated as correction | amendment processing of movement path | route MP, if it is correction | amendment processing of movement path | route MP according to a change aspect, it will not restrict to this in particular. For example, in a mode in which the movement route MP is changed by selecting from a plurality of routes set in advance on the field FD without calculating the shift value ΔS, the detection area DA is contacted from the plurality of routes. Any route that does not exist may be selected as the movement route MP.

    In the correction process of the shift value ΔS, when the right joystick 14c2 is further pushed down, that is, when the input value IV shown in FIG. 2 is +256 or −255 (hereinafter referred to as “operation signal CS2”). When the operation signal CS2 is input, the CPU 2 is set to store the shift value ΔS in the predetermined data area of the RAM 5 when the operation signal CS2 is input.

    Here, it is assumed that when the virtual camera CM moves along the change movement path MPc2, the player pushes the right joystick 14c2 further to the right from the tilted state in order to fix the shift value ΔS to ΔS3.

    That is, since the shift value ΔS when the virtual camera CM moves on the change movement path MPc2 is ΔS3 as shown on the right side of FIG. 5, upon receiving the operation signal CS2, the CPU 2 is based on the shift movement path change program MPP. Thus, the shift value ΔS3 is stored in a predetermined data area of the RAM 5. When the shift value ΔS3 is stored in the RAM 5, the shift value ΔS is fixed to ΔS3 regardless of the operation signal CS1 input from the right joystick 14c2. Therefore, the player returns the right joystick 14c2 to the reference position BP, for example. However, the virtual camera CM moves on the change movement path MPc2 according to the movement of the operation character CH1. That is, the movement route MP is fixed to the change movement route MPc2 by fixing the change state indicated by the shift value ΔS.

Also, in the shift value correction processing, after the operation signal CS2 is input from the right joystick 14c2, the operation signal CS3 is set to be input when the right joystick 14c2 is pushed in the same direction again. CPU2, when the operation signal CS3 is input, by setting the shift value ΔS which is stored in the RAM5 NULL, then the movement path MP, set the changed movement path MPc2 to change the default path MP _D ing.

Here, when the operation character CH1 passes through the position P4, the virtual camera CM reaches the position P24, the player, in order to return the virtual camera CM to the default path MP _D, the right joystick 14c2, to the right again Suppose you push it. CPU2 receives the operation signal CS3 on the basis of the movement path changing program MPP, by setting the shift value ΔS which is stored in the RAM5 NULL, then the movement path MP, to change from the modified movement path MPc2 default path MP _D .

Therefore, the virtual camera CM, as shown in FIG. 5, from the position P24, is moved to a position P14 on the default path MP _D, the virtual camera CM is moved on the default path MP _D, operation character CH1 the outlet You will pass through the cave CV from EX.

As described above, the player can freely fix the movement path MP to the changed movement path MPc2 desired by the player by the operation signal CS2, and further, can change the change movement path MPc2 to the default path MP at any time by the operation signal CS3. Since it can return to _D , an appropriate image can be stably displayed by a simple operation of the right joystick 14c2. Thereby, the operativity can be improved, ensuring the flexibility of camera operation.

    In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as the game software GSW. However, as long as the program includes a program composed of various programs PGP, PDP,... Of course, the present invention can be applied not only to the game software GSW but also configured as a game device, for example.

  As an application example of the present invention, it can be applied to game software capable of performing camera work of a virtual camera, and as a game device, not only a home game device but also a portable game device, an arcade game device Also, it can be applied to a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a personal computer, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block of the game apparatus. FIG. 2 is a side view (partially omitted) of the right joystick. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the game software. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the virtual camera. FIG. 5 is a top sectional view of a cave (partially omitted) showing an example of a field.

Explanation of symbols

1. Computer, game device (game device)
2. Polygon generation / arrangement means, operation object movement control means, virtual camera movement control means, movement path change means, change path movement command means, distance calculation means, background object detection means, movement path correction command means (CPU)
3DS …… 3D virtual space 8 …… 2D image generation and display means (image processing device)
11 …… Display 14 …… Input means (controller)
ANP ... 2D image generation and display procedure, 2D image generation and display means (image processing program)
CH1 …… Operation object (operation character)
CM …… Virtual camera CS1 …… First signal (operation signal)
CS2 …… Second signal (operation signal)
CS3 …… Third signal (operation signal)
CV …… Field (cave)
CWP: Virtual camera movement control procedure, gaze direction control procedure, gaze direction change command procedure, virtual camera movement control means (camera work processing program)
FD ...... field GSW ...... game software MP ...... movement path MP D _...... default route MPP ...... movement route change procedure, change the path movement command procedure, the mobile route fixation procedure, the default path return procedure, the mobile route change means, change Route movement command means (movement route change program)
PD …… Gaze direction PDP …… Two-dimensional image generation / display procedure Two-dimensional image generation / display means (image data generation program)
PGP: Polygon generation and arrangement procedure, operation object movement control procedure, polygon generation and arrangement means, operation object movement control means (polygon processing program)
SMP: Distance calculation procedure, background object detection procedure, movement path correction command procedure, distance calculation means, background object detection means, movement path correction command means (shift value correction program)
WL _R …… Background object (right wall)
ΔS …… Changed state (shift value)

Claims (4)

Game software having a program for causing a computer to execute a game for controlling movement of an operation object that can be operated according to a signal from an input means on a field generated in a three-dimensional virtual space,
The game software is stored in the computer.
A polygon generation and arrangement procedure for generating polygons of the operation object and a background object constituting the field and arranging the polygons in the three-dimensional virtual space;
An operation object movement control procedure for controlling the movement of the operation object in a three-dimensional virtual space in which a background object is arranged by the polygon generation and arrangement procedure according to a signal from the input means;
A virtual camera that sets a visual field range in the three-dimensional virtual space is changed to an operation object whose movement is controlled by the operation object movement control procedure on a path set in the three-dimensional virtual space as a movement path of the virtual camera. Virtual camera movement control procedure to control movement to follow,
A moving route changing procedure for changing the moving route of the virtual camera from a default route preset in the three-dimensional virtual space to a route different from the default route in accordance with a signal from the input means;
A change path movement command procedure for instructing the virtual camera movement control procedure to move the virtual camera on the movement path changed by the movement path change procedure from the default path;
A two-dimensional image generation and display procedure for rendering a polygon within a visual field range set by the virtual camera controlled by the virtual camera movement control procedure to generate a two-dimensional image and displaying it on a display;
A distance calculation procedure for calculating a distance between a virtual camera moving on the movement path changed by the movement path change procedure and a background object arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space by the polygon generation arrangement procedure;
A background object detection procedure for detecting a background object whose distance calculated by the distance calculation procedure is a predetermined value or less;
A movement path correction instruction procedure for instructing the movement path change procedure to correct the changed movement path so that the virtual camera is moved away from the background object detected by the background object detection procedure;
A game software comprising a program for executing the program. The game software is further stored in the computer.
A visual line direction control procedure for controlling a visual line direction of the virtual camera;
In response to a signal from the input means, a command to change the gaze direction of the virtual camera is commanded to the gaze direction control procedure.
The game software according to claim 1, further comprising a program for executing the program. The moving route changing procedure changes the moving route of the virtual camera in accordance with a first signal from the input means,
The game software is further stored in the computer.
A moving path fixing procedure for fixing a change state of the moving path corrected by the moving path changing procedure in accordance with a second signal from the input means;
A default route return procedure for changing the movement route of the virtual camera from the movement route whose change state is fixed by the movement route fixing procedure to the default route in response to a third signal from the input means;
The game software according to claim 1, further comprising a program for executing the program. A game device capable of controlling movement of an operation object that can be operated according to a signal from an input means on a field generated in a three-dimensional virtual space,
The game device includes:
A polygon generation / arrangement means for generating polygons of the operation object and a background object constituting the field and arranging the polygons in the three-dimensional virtual space;
An operation object movement control means for controlling the movement of the operation object in a three-dimensional virtual space in which a background object is arranged by the polygon generation and arrangement means in response to a signal from the input means;
A virtual camera that sets a visual field range in the three-dimensional virtual space is changed to an operation object whose movement is controlled by the operation object movement control unit on a path set in the three-dimensional virtual space as a movement path of the virtual camera. Virtual camera movement control means for controlling movement so as to follow,
A moving path changing means for changing the moving path of the virtual camera from a default path preset in the three-dimensional virtual space to a path different from the default path in response to a signal from the input means;
Change path movement command means for instructing the virtual camera movement control means to move the virtual camera on the movement path changed by the movement path change means from the default path,
2D image generation and display means for rendering a polygon within the field of view set by the virtual camera controlled by the virtual camera movement control means to generate a 2D image and displaying it on a display;
A distance calculating means for calculating a distance between a virtual camera that moves on the moving path changed by the moving path changing means and a background object arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space by the polygon generating and arranging means;
A background object detecting means for detecting a background object whose distance calculated by the distance calculating means is a predetermined value or less;
A movement path correction command means for instructing the movement path change means to correct the changed movement path so that the virtual camera is moved away from the background object detected by the background object detection means;
A game apparatus comprising:

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